Acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free artificial sweetener, also known as Acesulfame K or Ace K, and marketed under the trade names Sunette and Sweet One. It was discovered accidentally in 1967 at Hoechst AG .

Chemically, acesulfame potassium is the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3- oxathiazine-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide. It is white crystalline powder with molecular formula of C₄H₄NO₄KS and molecular weight of 201.24.

Acesulfame K is 100-200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), or about half as sweet as aspartame or saccharin. Like saccharin, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste, especially at high concentrations. Kraft Foods has patented the use of sodium ferulate to mask acesulfame's aftertaste. Alternatively, acesulfame K is often blended with aspartame or other sweeteners. These blends are reputed to give a more sugar-like taste where each sweetener masks the other's aftertaste, and to exhibit a synergistic effect wherein the blend is sweeter than its components.

Unlike aspartame, it is stable under heat, even under moderately acidic or basic conditions, allowing it to be used in baking, or in products that require a long shelf life.

Acesulfame K has been approved for use in foods in Europe since 1983, in the United States since 1988, and in Canada since 1994. In 1985, the European Union's Scientific Committee for Food published a comprehensive assessment of sweetening agents. This committee of toxicological experts from the EU member countries accepted Acesulfame K for use in foods and beverages. Safety of usage of Acesulfame K has also examined by JECFA , with the conclusion that Acesulfame K is safe to use, at least at levels less than the acceptable daily intake of 15 mg/kg of body weight..

Some individuals and organizations suggest that acesulfame K may be a carcinogen. However, their claims are usually refuted by the vast body of peer-reviewed research. In this case, most studies show that acesulfame is not metabolized by the human body; rather, it is rapidly absorbed and then excreted unchanged, causing no adverse effects in the process.

Popular products containing acesulfame K include Pepsi One/Pepsi Max, Trident gum, and sugarfree Jell-O. In diet sodas it is almost always used in conjunction with another sweetener, such as aspartame or sucralose.

External links

• http://www.wholefoods.com/healthinfo/acesulfamek.html
• http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/549acesulfame.html
• http://www.caloriecontrol.org/acesulf.html
• FDA approval of Acesulfame potassium